Blog Post: Ready, Aim…Fired!!!!

• Apply for unemployment, if you’re eligible. 
• Call or email contacts in your network who might be able to help you out. Expand your network to include friends, family, former co-workers, neighbors, friends of friends, parents of your child’s friends, the list is endless.
• Get your resume in order. You’ve been keeping it updated, right? Consider adding a Key Accomplishments or Technical Qualifications section toward the top of your resume, so the reader can tell at a glance what your strengths are.
• Check in with your references. If you haven’t already talked to them as a network contact, now is the time to get in touch with them. Let them know you’re on the market again and will they provide a good reference for you. Get their most recent phone numbers.  
• Consider learning new skills to change your career path or upgrading skills in your current career. Now may be the opportunity to get a Microsoft certification or get certified in Medical Billing and Coding.
• Be prepared to make job-hunting your job. Looking for a job, writing resumes and cover letters, networking, all of that takes time and effort. Plan on devoting three to four hours a day on finding your next job. Try to accomplish something everyday, even if something is getting dressed before noon.  
• Be prepared to answer the inevitable “why did you leave your last job” interview question. Never, never, never blame your former boss or co-workers, even if they deserve it. Focus on what you learned from your last position and don’t make excuses.

And finally…it’s okay to feel down. You’ve just had a major rejection and it doesn’t feel good at all. Try to channel any anger or bitterness into your job search. And take care of yourself, physically and emotionally. Get enough sleep, eat well, get some exercise and try to maintain a positive attitude.

It’s not easy being fired and it’s not easy looking for work. Who knows, maybe being fired was the best thing that could have happened to you!

Please feel free to email me at ahansmann@techskills.com or head over to www.techskills.edu to learn about the Health Services and Information Technology programs we offer.